Don’t let mosquitoes spoil balmy summer evenings. Jane Griffiths has advice on growing your own anti-bug herbs.
Scented pelargoniums, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon verbena and lavender not only smell nice – the really good news is that they repel mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and move them to where they are needed or plant them in your herb garden and use them to make an insect-repelling balm.
Lemon balm
Also known as melissa or bee balm, it bears small white flowers that bees love. Ancient Greek beekeepers would crush the leaves and rub them on the hives to encourage bees to return. (Melissa means ‘honeybee’ in Greek.)
IN THE GARDEN
This lemon-flavoured member of the mint family is hardy, requiring nothing more than an occasional trimming. It likes full sun to partial shade and plenty of moisture. After it’s flowered, cut it back to prevent it from becoming straggly. Lemon balm can be invasive, so keep an eye on it and divide the plant if necessary. In frost areas, it dies back in winter. Its strongly scented leaves repel many pests. Sprinkle the leaves around the base of vulnerable seedlings or on newly seeded areas.
Lemon grass
Bu hikaye South African Garden and Home dergisinin February 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye South African Garden and Home dergisinin February 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
ALL THE COLOURS
My wardrobe may be mostly black, but my world is awash with every hue
Be Prepared Pet First Aid
Get a wound-care first aid kit ready for when pet emergencies strike with the help of veterinarian Dr Caitlyn
ESCAPE THE CITY
You don't need to travel far from the city to experience the best South Africa has to offer this Easter weekend
BRING THE HEAT
Upgrade your outdoor living space this autumn with the essential element of fire
ABANDONED BEAUTY
Bring love into your home with the leftovers of nature and second-hand treasures
ADAPT and GROW
This Johannesburg garden proves some trends are always worth following
FIERY SUCCULENTS
Spice up your autumn and winter garden with these warm-toned succulent species
Paint Your Patio
Learn how to paint your patio floor with Elle
Art of LIVING
A visit to the former home and garden of Sir Hans Heysen and his talented daughter, Nora, opens a window to their artworks and lives
IN BALANCE
While it was first and foremost created to fit around their family, this 1920s home at the foot of Table Mountain reflects the refined design sensibilities and collector's eye of its owners